9-inch Ends

[Jake Sealey]

Is it legal in Stock and Super Stock to put 9-inch ends on a Ford 8.8 instead of using C-Clip Eliminators?

[Sean Marconette]

Jake,

Its not spelled out in the rule book, but has to have axle retention, which 9" housing ends will accomplish. In my opinion an 8.8 for stock is ok, but gear selection and gear material is not optimal. I would not waste your time with an 8.8 for SS, due to gear selection. 9" ends have been used instead of C-clip eliminators.


This is the section for Stock.

REAR END
Original rear end may be replaced with another from the same
automobile manufacturer; truck rear end prohibited. Aluminum
center section permitted only on vehicles that were originally
equipped with same. Distance between backing plates may not
be changed. Any gear ratio that fits third-member case or
housing permitted. Limited-slip or ratchet-type rear ends
permitted. Reinforcement of spring perch permitted. Spools
permitted only with aftermarket axles. Aftermarket axles not
required for front-wheel-drive vehicles. Larger brakes may be
used. Replacement rear end may be narrowed or widened to
obtain original rear-end width. Bracing or beefing up the rearend
housing permitted.
Swing axle differential may be replaced with conventional
housing; stock trailing arms must be retained, may be beefed up
and adapted to housing, must retain transverse spring. Must
install Panhard bar. Frame may be notched for driveshaft
clearance. Distance between OEM backing plates and OEM
wheelbase must be maintained. Coil-over shock or four-link
adaptations prohibited. See General Regulations 2:11.

2:11 REAR END
Welded spider gear rear ends prohibited in all classes. Four-wheel
drive permitted per class requirements. Aftermarket axles and axle retention
device mandatory on Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Top
Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp, Super Comp,
Super Gas, Super Street, and 10.99 or quicker E.T. cars; also
mandatory on any car (regardless of class or E.T.) with a spool.

[Jake Sealey]

Thanks Sean. We have some decisions to make. We have the 8.8 and to beef it up with all the good stuff and 9-inch ends is about $1000 dollars less than the bolt in 9-inch.

[Tom Goldman]

You can use the 9" ends on the 8.8" in Stock as long as you maintain the O.E. width .
Since aftermarket discs are allowed, this is a common modification .
If its a low power car the 8.8 may be a little quicker ,and they surely don't lack strength , I've done plenty of them for cars with turbos and blower in them.
As long as you can get your ratio , I'd use it.

[Sean Marconette]

If you plan on stepping up to a faster class like I am, the money I spent many years ago on the 8.8, could have been invested in the 9" that I am now faced with. A 4.88, 5.13 and now a 5.71 street gear are all that are available for the 8.8. Yes the 8.8 is more efficient, but gear choice may be more of a factor in the long run.

Sean